Spiny Rock Lobster Catch Limits Updated for Gisborne and Otago from April 2026

Catch limits for spiny rock lobster have been reduced for Gisborne, and increased for Otago following a regular sustainability review, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

These are both highly valued fisheries, and my decisions aim to ensure their sustainability for the benefit of fishers today and in the future.

The Gisborne spiny rock lobster fishery (CRA 3), which extends from East Cape around the Māhia Peninsula to the Wairoa River, remains under pressure despite commercial catch and recreational daily limit reductions in 2024. There’s also some uncertainty about the immediate and ongoing effect of the 2023 cyclones on spiny rock lobster habitat in CRA 3, meaning we need to be cautious.

Therefore, I have decided to lower the total allowable catch for the fishery, including a 49-tonne reduction to the allowable commercial catch, Mr Jones says.

Complementing this catch reduction, commercial fishers in CRA 3 have also agreed to spread out their fishing effort to address regional differences in stock recovery.

I thank these fishers for their contributions to the responsible management of the fishery. They are strongly invested in the long-term health of these important resources.

In response to signs that the Otago spiny rock lobster fishery (CRA 7) is doing well, catch settings are increasing in line with the management procedures for fishery, Mr Jones says.

The commercial catch limit for the fishery will increase by 21.9 tonnes, which will be a welcome boon for the local economy and communities.

Management procedures, like those introduced to CRA 7 in 2024, are a framework to guide efficient decision-making to reach sustainability goals, while providing greater certainty to fishers.

Also included in the review was Southern blue whiting in the Bounty Platform fishery in sub-Antarctic waters. Following the consultation I have decided that the current catch settings remain appropriate for the fishery, Mr Jones says.

I want to acknowledge the many people including tangata whenua, recreational and commercial fishers, environmental groups and local communities who provided feedback on these proposals. This input forms an important part of the advice I receive from officials, and the decisions I have made.

The catch limit changes will take effect from 1 April 2026.

More information can be found on MPI’s website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/review-of-sustainability-measures-for-spiny-rock-lobster-cra-3-and-cra-7-april-2026-round Media contact: Lucy Bennett, +64 221 038 687